Former Aston Villa and West Ham United midfielder, Nigel Reo-Coker, has warned Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta against playing ‘Premier League’s best right-back’, Jurrien Timber, in the Champions League final due to the defender’s lack of match fitness.
Reo-Coker was speaking after Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League final on Tuesday, thanks to a 1-0 victory against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.
“That is a big call. He [Jurrien Timber] has been out for so long… are you going to put him straight in a Champions League final?” Reo-Coker said on CBS Sports.
“Right about now, for players who are fit and playing with rhythm, I don’t think you can put Timber in now, with how long he’s been out for.
“He is the best right-back in the Premier League, and I am not disputing the quality that he has.
“But now when you get to a Champions League final, you talk about momentum, fitness, players out there.”
